Interview with Azmat Begg

In 2001, British Guantanamo detainee, Moazzam Begg left his home in Birmingham with his family for a new life in Afghanistan. Seeking to alleviate the suffering of a society torn apart by war for decades, he spent his time between a water-pump project and teaching children at a school he had established. Fearing for their safety, the family fled the US invasion of Afghanistan, and settled temporarily in Islamabad, Pakistan, where Moazzam was seized one night when CIA and Pakistani agents raided his home. He was taken first to Bagram and eventually to Guantanamo. He is held in solitary confinement in Camp Echo and is one of six detainees facing a military tribunal.

Azmat Begg, a proud father of five, has tirelessly campaigned for his son, Moazzam, to see justice. Mr. Begg, kept incessantly busy with the plight of his son, kindly gave Cageprisoners.com a few moments of his time to conduct this brief interview.

CAGEPRISONERS.COM: What were the fruits of your recent trip to Washington with the Guantanamo Human Rights Commission?

Azmat Begg: Well, I am sure that my son will be released very shortly. This is what I believe. There are no indications of this, yet I firmly believe that.

CP: Could you tell us about the night he was taken and the phone call you received from him - how did you feel?

AB: I felt very unhappy about it. Since then, nothing has been done according to human rights.

CP: When did you last hear from your son? What did he say?

AB I have not received a direct letter from him, but the Foreign Office have sent me the following:

"Moazzam said there has been a gap of three months when he has not had access to books but he has now been brought some. He has recently finished Jeremy Paxman's, "The English". He has also read "Bleak House", "The Brothers Karamazov", and he was currently reading John Grisham's "The Panther". The official read Moazzam's message which explained that five of the British detainees had been released but that the discussion on his future continues. The official also told him that the British government had told the US government that if he were to be tried, the trial should be fair. The two governments need to explore this and other possible courses of action. Moazzam then gave the official a message to pass to his family which I have recently forwarded to you. I will continue to keep in touch with you and we will let you know of further developments."

They have taken also some messages from here, from his wife and family.

CP: How did you feel when you heard that Moazzam was not amongst those to be released earlier this year?

AB: I developed a lot of hope that he would be released. I think they [the detainees] will be gradually leaving, one by one, or in groups.

CP: Have you been in contact with the returned detainees or their families? What news do they have of your son?

AB: I have been in contact with only one of the released detainees. He did not know Moazzam, so he did not have much to say.

CP: What has been the affect of this ordeal on you?

AB: Well, it's very painful and disturbing to us all.

CP: What about your wife?

AB: Every one of us is taking it anyhow with positive minds. We are just going through it. Hopefully, Moazzam will be released.

CP: What has been the response of the Muslim community to your campaign?

AB: I'm sure they are all sympathetic.

CP: You once said Moazzam's release is "entirely in Tony Blair's hands". How do you feel about the Government's inaction on behalf of Moazzam?

AB: The Americans have some reservations which are creating a bit of trouble. They want Moazzam and others to be tried in England. They have some allegations. I don't know why they cannot be tried in an ordinary court in America. As for Britain, they have been sending lawyers to discuss this and sort it out, but nothing is happening. The Attorney General has made about twelve visits to America and nothing came of them.

CP: What do you say to the allegations that Moazzam fought with Al Qaida and was involved in a plot to fly a plane into the White House?

AB: They are a joke.

CP: Tell us about Moazzam - what was he like as a son?

AB: He was a fantastically good boy. He never argued with anyone, especially in the house. He was respectful to his elders. His behaviour was fantastic. He was a good father, a good son and a great brother.

CP: What ambitions and plans did he have for the future?

AB: He wanted to be a lawyer, and possibly he will continue, if everything goes alright.

CP: Have you had any significant dreams about him?

AB: I have dreams about him every day.

CP: What would you say to him if you could speak to him now?

AB: I would say, "I miss you and I love u."

CP: What next for the campaign?

AB: The next step is to see Mr. Blair, Mr. Blunkett and Jack Straw, and talk to them. We also hope to try to get in touch with Mr. Bush, if possible.

CP: You have described yourself as "not bothering much about religion". Do you think this ordeal has strengthened your faith?

AB: I think it will do.

CP: Finally, is there any message you would like to give the visitors to our site?

AB: Remain within the law, be united and let the government know we (Muslims) are not what they think. We are solid people. Remain obedient to Allah - He is the One who does everything; Life and death are in His Hands. People should not worry if they are not doing anything wrong.

CP: Mr Begg, thank you for speaking to us.